A public address systems (PA) is essential for teachers who must project their voices in a noisy gymnasium or over music. The signal strength of your voice is reduced by six decibels (dB) every time you double the distance from the teacher to the students. Ryan (2009) found that if a teacher's speech level is 70 dB and a student is 32 feet away, the level of the sound reaching the student is only 40 dB. For comparison, 0 dB is near total silence; a sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB, and a sound 100 times more than 0 is 20 dB. Some common sounds and their decibel ratings include: near whisper (15 dB), normal conversation (60 dB), and a car horn (110 dB). A study by Crandell & Smaldino (1994) found that teachers should be approximately six feet from their students for maximum intelligibility. In physical education classes, teachers are rarely within six feet of their students, and the environment tends to be very noisy. Also, a study by Smith, Gray, Dove, Kirchner, & Heras (1997) found that routinely raising speech volume can lead to voice problems in teachers. The solution is a PA system that not only saves teachers' voices but also lets teachers control, stabilize, and equalize their acoustic environment so that their voices can be heard above the background noise at all locations in the learning environment. Researchers (Mendel, Roberts, & Walton, 2003; Ryan, Ormond, Imwold, & Rotunda, 2002) have found a positive effect on word and sentence recognition, speech intelligibility, attending behaviors, and students' time-on-task with the use of a PA system. PA systems typically consists of a microphone and a Frequency Modulation (FM) transmitter worn by the teacher, an amplifier, and a stationary or portable FM receiver with one or more speakers. There also are portable PA systems that are battery powered and worn around the waist. Be sure to select a lightweight, rechargeable PA system with volume control. For voice projection you can use a system with lower wattage than a music projection system.
When setting up a PA system, be sure to locate it (speakers and receiver) away from students for safety and opposite from your primary location. This setting establishes a "stereo effect" and gives the students the feeling that the teacher is in two places at one time. Also, remember to turn off the microphone when you are giving corrective or discipline-related feedback or at any time when a student may be embarrassed. It is best to have your situation (environment, number of individuals, sound requirements) analyzed by sound professionals when purchasing a new PA system. However, a rule of thumb is:
50 people: 5 watts
150 people: 20 watts
500 people: 30 watts
1,500 people: 50 watts
References Crandell, C. C., & Smaldino, J. J. (1994). An update of classroom acoustics for children with heating impairment. The Volta Review, 96, 291-306. Mendel, L. L., Roberts, R. A., & Walton, J. H. (2003). Speech perception benefits from sound field FM amplification. American Journal of Audiology, 12(2), 114-124. Ryan, S. (2009). The effects of a sound-field amplification system on management time in middle school physical education settings. Journal of Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 40(2), 131-137. Ryan, S., Ormond, T., Imwold, C., & Rotunda, R. (2002). The effects of a public address system on the off-task behavior of elementary physical education students. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35(3), 305-308. Smith. E., Gray, S. D., Dove, H., Kirchner, L., & Heras, H. (1997). Frequency and effects of teachers' voice problems. Journal of Voice, 11(1), 81-87.
How to Use Task Cards:
Sixth Grade Half Court Basketball Task Cards Thirty task cards for use in the teaching of a Sixth Grade Basketball unit. Each card includes the name, picture, and description/critical elements.
Chest pass and catch
Overhand pass and catch
Bounce pass and catch
Ball handling circles
Ball handling figure 8
Pivot
Jump stop
Two step stop
Pass to partner who jump stops, pivot, and returns ball
Two on two keep away
Set shot drills
Offensive stance
Defensive step
Three on three basketball - no dribbling
Dribble
Dribble tag
Three on three basketball
Chest pass - feedback
Overhead pass - feedback
Bounce pass - feedback
Circuit Set up a circuit - place one card at each station. Students, in groups of four, rotate from station to station performing the problem solving tasks. For a typical class, three stations in the circuit would be sufficient for each lesson.
Convention/Conference Goers
SWAAHPERD Conference The first 20 people to arrive at the Bonnie's Fitware Inc. booth with their business cards in hand will be entered in a drawing for a free "First Day of Issue (1984)" Hawaii Statehood 25th Anniversary envelope.
Web 2.0
This year we will share a wide variety of web 2.0 tools that will make your work easier and/or help you with the instructional process. DropBox DropBox is a Web-based file hosting service. It uses networked storage to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file synchronization. There are both free and paid services. Applications are available for Windows, Macintosh, Android, iPhone, Ipad, WebOS, and Blackberry. Have you checked out the Bonnie's Fitware YouTube Channel - lots of information and learnings can be found on our channel.
Are You Backing Up? Are You Updating Your Software?
Using Technology in Physical Education Podcast
All of our podcasts/vodcasts are posted here. Check them out! A new posting will be available in mid-May. Remember there will not be a podcast in June. April podcast included:
News
Word: Tips and Tricks
Photoshop: Tips and Tricks
Apps for iOS
Research Works
Abel, M.G., Hannon, J.C., Eisenman, P.A., Ransdell, L.B., Pett, M., & Williams, D.P. (2009). Waist circumference, pedometer placement, and step-counting accuracy in youth. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 80(3), 434-444. This study examined whether differences in waist circumference (WC) and pedometer placement (anterior vs. midaxillary vs. posterior) affect the agreement between pedometer and observed steps during treadmill and self-paced walking. High waist circumference: the posterior pedometer placement consistently agreed most closely with observed steps at all treadmill speeds and during self-paced walking. In the LowWC group, no single pedometer placement consistently agreed most closely with observed steps at all treadmill speeds and during self-paced walking. We conclude that a posterior pedometer placement improves step-count accuracy in most youth with an HWC at a range of walking speeds on level ground.
The top four internet browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, and Safari. Each browser has extensions that can be added to enhance its features. This column will explore extensions for these browsers on a rotating system. This month we share browser extensions for Google's Chrome. Extensions are available at https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/home. ref Doc refDot is a Google Chrome extension that can be helpful for keeping track of and formatting references for use in bibliographies. Whenever you're viewing a website, an online book, an online journal, or a news article just click the refDot icon in your browser to open a window into which you enter all of information you need for a bibliography. Biodigital Human The BioDigital Human is a 3D platform that simplifies the understanding of anatomy, disease and treatments. Interactive tools for exploring, dissecting, and sharing custom views, combined with detailed medical descriptions provide an unprecedented new visual format to learn about your body.
Browser Tips
Cookies There are good cookies which don't require you to type in a password every 30 seconds and there are cookies that some see as bad since they follow you from one website to another to report to advertisers on what you are looking at. You can choose to block those "third-party" cookies without getting rid of the useful kind. Internet Explorer
Go to Control Panel - Internet Options
Click Privacy tab
Either choose a preset on the slider that blocks third-party cookies or click advanced, check Override automatic cookie line, and check Block under "third-party cookies".
Safari
Go to Edi-Prefereces-Privacy
Set Block cookies to "From third parties and advertisers"
Firefox
Go to Firefox-Options (preferences for Mac)-Privacy
Select Use custom settings for history from the drop-down menu. Uncheck Accept third-party cookies
Chrome
Go to Options-Under the Hood - Content Settings
Check Block third-party cookies from being set.
Q and A
Q: Today's Windows Update did not install correctly? What should I do? A: Windows Update is a Windows feature that downloads and install patches (known as updates) for Windows. The patches generally solve problems, improve security, or add functionality. It is important to keep Windows up-to-date. An easy way to help Windows Update recover from a bad installation is to reset the Windows Update components. Visit Microsoft Support online, run a tool provided by Microsoft, and your problem may well be solved. When the Microsoft's window appears, click the green Run Now button. If the button does not appear, you will find it on the website. If you agree to Microsoft's terms, click the Accept button. When the Windows Update page appears, you will have the option to let the program detect problems and fix them immediately, or to detect the problems, list them for you, and let you select the ones you wish to fix. Q: What is the best strategy for dealing with an unresponsive phone? A:Here are the steps to follow:
1. Power off the phone and restart. If necessary hold down the shutdown button (see your user's manual).
2. If the phone won't power off, then remove the battery to restart the phone. Note that this is not an option for the iPhone.
New Devices ("The Up and Coming" and "The Here and Now")
Liquipel Device Waterproofing A surface treatment, called Liquipel, could protect your mobile devices against accidental dunkings (dropped in the toilet, taking it swimming). Your device can be shipped to the company's Santa Ana HQ. Liquipel will place the device in a vacuum chamber, which is then filled with a proprietary vapor that settles into every nook and cranny to create a superhydrophobic coating just a few molecules thick. Fitbit Ultra Using an accelerometer and altimeter, Fitbit is one of the simplest wellness monitors. It tracks calories burned, steps taken, stairs climbed, and sleeping data. The device uploads data wirelessly when within range of the included computer docking station. Motorola Motoactv This device, with a touchscreen display, provides real-time data. It tracks pace, distance,steps, calories burned, and GPS mapping. The device links via Bluetooth to Android phones. Do you like being kept informed of new devices that can be used in physical education - this check out our blog.
Curriculum This article identifies eight common problems with the writing of physical education standards along with tips for correction. Click here to read. Assessment We have now provided you with assessment samples for Standards 1-6. Take a look at the complete set athttp://www.pesoftware.com/Resources/Assessments.html For more information on standards-based assessment, click here. Lessons We have now provided you with lesson examples for grades 5-10. Take a look at the complete set at http://www.pesoftware.com/Resources/Lessons.html For more information on middle school standards-based lesson plans, click here. For more information on high school standards-based plans, click here.
Using Technology in Physical Education - 8th edition
The eighth edition of the popular book Using Technology in Physical Education is now available. Everything you need to know about technology in the field of physical education. Includes information on spreadsheets, word processing, desktop publishing, web, pedometers, heart monitors, virtual reality-based exercise equipment, software, electronic portfolios, e-learning, and much much more! Lots of step-by-step directions and photographs showing how things work! Cost $49.99. Check out our support page with videos and agendas for undergraduate and graduate courses.
PA Systems
A public address systems (PA) is essential for teachers who must project their voices in a noisy gymnasium or over music. The signal strength of your voice is reduced by six decibels (dB) every time you double the distance from the teacher to the students. Ryan (2009) found that if a teacher's speech level is 70 dB and a student is 32 feet away, the level of the sound reaching the student is only 40 dB. For comparison, 0 dB is near total silence; a sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB, and a sound 100 times more than 0 is 20 dB. Some common sounds and their decibel ratings include: near whisper (15 dB), normal conversation (60 dB), and a car horn (110 dB). A study by Crandell & Smaldino (1994) found that teachers should be approximately six feet from their students for maximum intelligibility. In physical education classes, teachers are rarely within six feet of their students, and the environment tends to be very noisy. Also, a study by Smith, Gray, Dove, Kirchner, & Heras (1997) found that routinely raising speech volume can lead to voice problems in teachers.The solution is a PA system that not only saves teachers' voices but also lets teachers control, stabilize, and equalize their acoustic environment so that their voices can be heard above the background noise at all locations in the learning environment. Researchers (Mendel, Roberts, & Walton, 2003; Ryan, Ormond, Imwold, & Rotunda, 2002) have found a positive effect on word and sentence recognition, speech intelligibility, attending behaviors, and students' time-on-task with the use of a PA system.
PA systems typically consists of a microphone and a Frequency Modulation (FM) transmitter worn by the teacher, an amplifier, and a stationary or portable FM receiver with one or more speakers. There also are portable PA systems that are battery powered and worn around the waist. Be sure to select a lightweight, rechargeable PA system with volume control. For voice projection you can use a system with lower wattage than a music projection system.
When setting up a PA system, be sure to locate it (speakers and receiver) away from students for safety and opposite from your primary location. This setting establishes a "stereo effect" and gives the students the feeling that the teacher is in two places at one time. Also, remember to turn off the microphone when you are giving corrective or discipline-related feedback or at any time when a student may be embarrassed.
It is best to have your situation (environment, number of individuals, sound requirements) analyzed by sound professionals when purchasing a new PA system. However, a rule of thumb is:
- 50 people: 5 watts
- 150 people: 20 watts
- 500 people: 30 watts
- 1,500 people: 50 watts
ReferencesCrandell, C. C., & Smaldino, J. J. (1994). An update of classroom acoustics for children with heating impairment. The Volta Review, 96, 291-306.
Mendel, L. L., Roberts, R. A., & Walton, J. H. (2003). Speech perception benefits from sound field FM amplification. American Journal of Audiology, 12(2), 114-124.
Ryan, S. (2009). The effects of a sound-field amplification system on management time in middle school physical education settings. Journal of Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 40(2), 131-137.
Ryan, S., Ormond, T., Imwold, C., & Rotunda, R. (2002). The effects of a public address system on the off-task behavior of elementary physical education students. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35(3), 305-308.
Smith. E., Gray, S. D., Dove, H., Kirchner, L., & Heras, H. (1997). Frequency and effects of teachers' voice problems. Journal of Voice, 11(1), 81-87.
How to Use Task Cards:
Sixth Grade Half Court Basketball Task CardsThirty task cards for use in the teaching of a Sixth Grade Basketball unit. Each card includes the name, picture, and description/critical elements.
- Chest pass and catch
- Overhand pass and catch
- Bounce pass and catch
- Ball handling circles
- Ball handling figure 8
- Pivot
- Jump stop
- Two step stop
- Pass to partner who jump stops, pivot, and returns ball
- Two on two keep away
- Set shot drills
- Offensive stance
- Defensive step
- Three on three basketball - no dribbling
- Dribble
- Dribble tag
- Three on three basketball
- Chest pass - feedback
- Overhead pass - feedback
- Bounce pass - feedback
CircuitSet up a circuit - place one card at each station. Students, in groups of four, rotate from station to station performing the problem solving tasks. For a typical class, three stations in the circuit would be sufficient for each lesson.
Convention/Conference Goers
SWAAHPERD ConferenceThe first 20 people to arrive at the Bonnie's Fitware Inc. booth with their business cards in hand will be entered in a drawing for a free "First Day of Issue (1984)" Hawaii Statehood 25th Anniversary envelope.
Web 2.0
This year we will share a wide variety of web 2.0 tools that will make your work easier and/or help you with the instructional process.DropBox
DropBox is a Web-based file hosting service. It uses networked storage to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file synchronization. There are both free and paid services. Applications are available for Windows, Macintosh, Android, iPhone, Ipad, WebOS, and Blackberry.
Have you checked out the Bonnie's Fitware YouTube Channel - lots of information and learnings can be found on our channel.
Are You Backing Up? Are You Updating Your Software?
Using Technology in Physical Education Podcast
All of our podcasts/vodcasts are posted here. Check them out! A new posting will be available in mid-May. Remember there will not be a podcast in June.April podcast included:
Research Works
Abel, M.G., Hannon, J.C., Eisenman, P.A., Ransdell, L.B., Pett, M., & Williams, D.P. (2009). Waist circumference, pedometer placement, and step-counting accuracy in youth. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 80(3), 434-444.This study examined whether differences in waist circumference (WC) and pedometer placement (anterior vs. midaxillary vs. posterior) affect the agreement between pedometer and observed steps during treadmill and self-paced walking. High waist circumference: the posterior pedometer placement consistently agreed most closely with observed steps at all treadmill speeds and during self-paced walking. In the LowWC group, no single pedometer placement consistently agreed most closely with observed steps at all treadmill speeds and during self-paced walking. We conclude that a posterior pedometer placement improves step-count accuracy in most youth with an HWC at a range of walking speeds on level ground.
Filemaker Go for iPhone/FileMaker Go for IPad
Now - available for free!!! This apps works with the following programs:More to come!
Browser Extensions
The top four internet browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, and Safari. Each browser has extensions that can be added to enhance its features. This column will explore extensions for these browsers on a rotating system. This month we share browser extensions for Google's Chrome. Extensions are available at https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/home.ref Doc
refDot is a Google Chrome extension that can be helpful for keeping track of and formatting references for use in bibliographies. Whenever you're viewing a website, an online book, an online journal, or a news article just click the refDot icon in your browser to open a window into which you enter all of information you need for a bibliography.
Biodigital Human
The BioDigital Human is a 3D platform that simplifies the understanding of anatomy, disease and treatments. Interactive tools for exploring, dissecting, and sharing custom views, combined with detailed medical descriptions provide an unprecedented new visual format to learn about your body.
Browser Tips
CookiesThere are good cookies which don't require you to type in a password every 30 seconds and there are cookies that some see as bad since they follow you from one website to another to report to advertisers on what you are looking at. You can choose to block those "third-party" cookies without getting rid of the useful kind.
Internet Explorer
- Go to Control Panel - Internet Options
- Click Privacy tab
- Either choose a preset on the slider that blocks third-party cookies or click advanced, check Override automatic cookie line, and check Block under "third-party cookies".
Safari- Go to Edi-Prefereces-Privacy
- Set Block cookies to "From third parties and advertisers"
Firefox- Go to Firefox-Options (preferences for Mac)-Privacy
- Select Use custom settings for history from the drop-down menu. Uncheck Accept third-party cookies
ChromeQ and A
Q: Today's Windows Update did not install correctly? What should I do?A: Windows Update is a Windows feature that downloads and install patches (known as updates) for Windows. The patches generally solve problems, improve security, or add functionality. It is important to keep Windows up-to-date. An easy way to help Windows Update recover from a bad installation is to reset the Windows Update components. Visit Microsoft Support online, run a tool provided by Microsoft, and your problem may well be solved. When the Microsoft's window appears, click the green Run Now button. If the button does not appear, you will find it on the website. If you agree to Microsoft's terms, click the Accept button. When the Windows Update page appears, you will have the option to let the program detect problems and fix them immediately, or to detect the problems, list them for you, and let you select the ones you wish to fix.
Q: What is the best strategy for dealing with an unresponsive phone?
A:Here are the steps to follow:
New Devices ("The Up and Coming" and "The Here and Now")
Liquipel Device WaterproofingA surface treatment, called Liquipel, could protect your mobile devices against accidental dunkings (dropped in the toilet, taking it swimming). Your device can be shipped to the company's Santa Ana HQ. Liquipel will place the device in a vacuum chamber, which is then filled with a proprietary vapor that settles into every nook and cranny to create a superhydrophobic coating just a few molecules thick.
Fitbit Ultra
Using an accelerometer and altimeter, Fitbit is one of the simplest wellness monitors. It tracks calories burned, steps taken, stairs climbed, and sleeping data. The device uploads data wirelessly when within range of the included computer docking station.
Motorola Motoactv
This device, with a touchscreen display, provides real-time data. It tracks pace, distance,steps, calories burned, and GPS mapping. The device links via Bluetooth to Android phones.
Do you like being kept informed of new devices that can be used in physical education - this check out our blog.
Grants and Fundraisers
Health In Schoolshttp://healthinschools.org
eSchool News Funding Information
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/funding
Free Cycle
http://www.freecycle.org/
Top Five
Inkjet Printer- Stylus Photo R2000
Camcorders - High Definition- Vixia HF M40 by Canon
Digital Cameras - SLR- Alpha SLT-A55 by Sony
- D7000 by Nikon
- EOS Rebel T3i by Canon
Source: MacWorld Lab Tested: 4.5 stars or moreMay Web Sites
History of the Olympicshttp://teachers.guardian.co.uk/teacher-resources/6911/?INTCMP=NECJOBTXT8769I
Would you Eat That?
http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/you/the-exhibit/your-appetite/would-you-eat-that/
Olympics: An Introduction
http://teachers.guardian.co.uk/teacher-resources/6912/?INTCMP=NECJOBTXT8769I
Standards-Based Curriculum/ Assessment/Lessons
CurriculumThis article identifies eight common problems with the writing of physical education standards along with tips for correction. Click here to read.
Assessment
We have now provided you with assessment samples for Standards 1-6. Take a look at the complete set athttp://www.pesoftware.com/Resources/Assessments.html
For more information on standards-based assessment, click here.
Lessons
We have now provided you with lesson examples for grades 5-10. Take a look at the complete set at http://www.pesoftware.com/Resources/Lessons.html
For more information on middle school standards-based lesson plans, click here.
For more information on high school standards-based plans, click here.
Using Technology in Physical Education - 8th edition
The eighth edition of the popular book Using Technology in Physical Education is now available. Everything you need to know about technology in the field of physical education. Includes information on spreadsheets, word processing, desktop publishing, web, pedometers, heart monitors, virtual reality-based exercise equipment, software, electronic portfolios, e-learning, and much much more! Lots of step-by-step directions and photographs showing how things work! Cost $49.99.Check out our support page with videos and agendas for undergraduate and graduate courses.
Order book
Support Page
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - Computer 101
Chapter 3 - Text-Based Documents
Chapter 4 - Data Manipulation
Chapter 5 - Using Images
Chapter 6 - Using Videos
Chapter 7 - Using Audio
Chapter 8 - Using Telecommunications
Chapter 9 - Instructional Software
Chapter 10 - Assessing Student Learning
Chapter 11 - Measuring Devices
Chapter 12 - Interactive Devices
Chapter 13 - Online Physical Education
Chapter 14 - Improving Instructional Delivery
Chapter 15 - The Future of Technologyhttp://stilwels.edublogs.org/